Modulation of Bacterial Fitness and Virulence Through Antisense RNAs

Regulatory RNAs contribute to gene expression control in bacteria. Antisense RNAs (asRNA) are a class of regulatory RNAs that are transcribed from opposite strands of their target genes. Typically, these untranslated transcripts bind to cognate mRNAs and rapidly regulate gene expression at the post-...

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Published in:Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology Vol. 10; p. 596277
Main Authors: Millar, Jess A, Raghavan, Rahul
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 11-02-2021
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Summary:Regulatory RNAs contribute to gene expression control in bacteria. Antisense RNAs (asRNA) are a class of regulatory RNAs that are transcribed from opposite strands of their target genes. Typically, these untranslated transcripts bind to cognate mRNAs and rapidly regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this article, we review asRNAs that modulate bacterial fitness and increase virulence. We chose examples that underscore the variety observed in nature including, plasmid- and chromosome-encoded asRNAs, a riboswitch-regulated asRNA, and asRNAs that require other RNAs or RNA-binding proteins for stability and activity. We explore how asRNAs improve bacterial fitness and virulence by modulating plasmid acquisition and maintenance, regulating transposon mobility, increasing resistance against bacteriophages, controlling flagellar production, and regulating nutrient acquisition. We conclude with a brief discussion on how this knowledge is helping to inform current efforts to develop new therapeutics.
Bibliography:Reviewed by: Meghan Catherine Lybecker, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, United States; Clayton Caswell, Virginia Tech, United States
This article was submitted to Molecular Bacterial Pathogenesis, a section of the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Edited by: D. Scott Samuels, University of Montana, United States
ISSN:2235-2988
2235-2988
DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2020.596277